The loot shooter The First Descendant is currently inviting players to an open beta, with over 70,000 participants already.
What kind of game is it? The First Descendant is an upcoming loot shooter from the Korean development studio Nexon, set to be released as a free-to-play title on Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Just this weekend, the shooter showcased 17 minutes of gameplay.
The First Descendant uses Unreal Engine 5 and features a third-person perspective. Additionally, the shooter is set in a sci-fi environment where players must fight against alien invaders. They have various classes available, each with special abilities.
Alongside shooter gameplay and evil aliens, The First Descendant also offers a 4-player co-op including crossplay on all platforms, raids, and various boss fights. As a reward for completing a mission, players can earn loot and materials.
You can watch the gamescom trailer for The First Descendant here:
Beta is already running, access can be requested
When is the beta? The crossplay open beta for The First Descendant started on September 19, 2023, and will run until September 25, Nexon announced at the gamescom ONL 2023.
How can you participate in the beta? If you want to join the beta, you can sign up on the official game website (via tfd.nexon.com). There you will select your platform and provide your email address.
As a PC player, you also have the option to request beta access on the Steam page of The First Descendant (via Steam).
How is the beta received? The beta for The First Descendant has already gathered over 70,000 players on Steam alone on the first day (via Steamcharts) – it is unknown how many players join on consoles.
The first beta players feel reminded especially of Destiny and Warframe – this was already apparent from the first trailers of the shooter. Gameplay-wise, the similarity to Warframe stands out (via Reddit). Destiny can be seen more in the design of the maps.
Overall, The First Descendant receives both praise and criticism. Some enjoy the controls and gunplay and have fun with the shooter despite bugs (via Reddit).
The missions may be repetitive according to Reddit, but still entertaining. Overall, The First Descendant has potential, but it is no Destiny or Warframe killer.
Also, MeinMMO author and Destiny expert Britta participated in a beta for The First Descendant back in October 2022 and summarized her impressions:
New shooter “The First Descendant” launches on Steam – Plays like a Korean Outriders
